Review of John Kariuki (Explorer Kenya), Top Safari Guide for Explorer Kenya
In January 2023 my spouse and I took 7-day Safari in Kenya offered by Explorer Kenya. This all-inclusive package took us to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara National Parks. This trip was led by one of their top Safari Guides and drivers John Kariuki. We’ve asked for their top performer and we certainly got the best. By far, John Kariuki exceeded our expectations and here is how:
Safe driver: The road infrastructure in Kenya is far from ideal. General population of drivers are reckless and most of them practice “dare devil” approach in passing on-coming traffic in a dual carriage lane. This behavior seems to be the norm. These roads are shared by trucks (which is dominant) and street vendors selling their goods while cars are in motion. Live stocks freely graze only a foot away from your car and suddenly decide to cross at times. As if that is not chaotic enough there are people walking with their fire wood, water, etc. This is a scene I would only expect to see in a made-up movie but it is complete reality in Kenya. I was fearful and full of anxiety wanting to keep my eyes closed like in a horror movie.
To our relief John practiced calm patience, took every precaution, and sound judgement to ensure 100% safety. John was only a handful of non-risk-taking driver. His calm and carefulness gave us security and made us relax. John’s driving skills and safety measures were up most important as we were moving through hundreds of miles over several days. He delivered us to our destinations safe and sound every time.
John’s knowledge of the road systems and safari trails along with safe driving practice played a key role in avoiding accidents and being stuck in muddy swamp. To me this was the most important aspect of the successful trip as we avoided accidents (though we’ve been in a long traffic due to overturned truck) and wasting time.
Bionic wildlife spotter: It is still a mystery to me how John can spot animals miles away while driving on safari trail. When we booked this trip, I wondered if we should have asked for a “wildlife finder/spotter” separate from a driver. However, we decided to trust Explore Kenya and John as they have been together in the business for decades.
John made our safari trip beyond dream come true. We could not add anything to make it better. We’ve seen countless amount of individual, family, and herd of wildlife and finally reached a point of resisting taking pictures of them. We have seen everything there is to see. As for big cats, we’ve seen:
• Three sets of cheetahs to include two moms with two and four babies each and one group of six eating their breakfast hunt.
• Two different leopards to include one on a tree top with his dinner, and the second one walking across her territory.
• Five or six groups of lions to include four large brothers seeking shade to cool down. One of the brothers walked over to our car for shade to lie down in; six females walking across the field; family of 17 lions with two adult males, nine young babies, and six females. A set of two females in position to hunt but waiting for sun to go down.
We have seen numerous Haynes and their off springs to include three adults waiting for a leopard on a tree top to drop some of his dinner.
Seen pools of hippopotamus in and out of the water, two enormous size family of baboons and their infants, and one of the adult males terrorizing mongoose.
John also pointed out countless species of birds which was a huge bonus for us.
We believe John is an expert spotter especially for big cats. He also knows where these cats should hang out and where they are headed. It was incredible to watch John at work.
John’s bionic vision, his natural sense of direction, and his knowledge of animals prefer habitats led us to extremely successful safari experience that exceeded our expectations.
Wildlife Encyclopedia
We learned so much from john about wildlife. He told us so much about behaviors of elephants, possible reasons for lone elephants, and that they get new teethes six times in their life time, average life expectancy, how they die, etc.
John told us age of lion cubs, prime age of male and female, amount of time Mom and the cubs may stay away from the family when cubs are initially born, etc.
Two different patterns of Giraffes and where they are seen (we saw both), names of every single animal and bird life we’ve seen, weather they mate for life, etc. It was mind boggling how John can remember it all. John must have photographic memory. It was extra special for us as we love the birds and his knowledge is so deep for the birds as well.
Expert guide
We had an experience that exceeded our expectations all due to John’s leadership combined with his ability to spot, and getting us so close to animals you can see their face features. He moves his vehicle just right to provide excellent photography conditions. John also took us to places with fewer crowds and most often we were the only people. John has first-hand knowledge of every single destination and activity. Our experiences at each national park were perfect and we took home so many wonderful memories to share. I highly recommend John to take you around the once in a life time magical safari in Kenya.
After much research chose Explorer Kenya for 7 day Safari to Amboseli, Nakuru and Masai Mara - I sure got my research right!!!
We were allocated John Kariuki as our guide/driver and he was just frankly superb in every respect. With 20 plus years experience he knew everything, every animal (including birds) and knew exactly where to find them. After 7 days with someone full time you learn what sort of person he is, another A+, a good human being that loves his job. I cannot think of any animal we did not see, multiple times I might add.
The Safari vehicle was very modern and well cared for. The package included everything. Our second Safari but easily the best from all angles.
I realize this review seems somewhat over the top but it is genuine, that is how good it was + I very rarely write reviews on anything, good or bad